Getting Back On Track After A Louisville Car Accident
Many people who’ve been in serious crashes talk about the time before the crash and the time after the crash. At T.J. Smith, Attorney at Law, we understand that a car crash is a serious event in your life. It can have a significant effect on both your physical and mental well-being.
T.J. knows that you likely have questions about how the legal process works, what you can expect and how a Louisville car wreck accident attorney can help. He is here to answer your questions and help you seek compensation for your accident injuries so that you can move forward with your life. If you have suffered based on the actions of a negligent driver, do not hesitate to reach out to our firm through email or by calling 502-677-1429 to obtain the support you deserve.
What Causes Auto Accidents In Kentucky?
Car accidents in Kentucky often occur due to distracted driving, where using phones or other distractions can lead to severe consequences. Speeding is another major factor, as exceeding speed limits reduces reaction time and increases the severity of crashes. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a major cause of these accidents and so are poor weather conditions such as rain, snow and fog.
What To Do If You’re In A Car Crash
If you’re involved in a car crash, the steps you take can define your recovery and the outcome of your personal injury claim. Truck crashes, ridesharing collisions and pedestrian accidents may have different additional considerations, but after most car accidents, you should:
- Contact the police: Calling the police is the most important first step you can take in the aftermath of a collision. Police officers help with traffic control, communication between you and the other driver, creating an accident report and more.
- Document the scene: Take pictures of the accident scene, the cars, any injuries you incurred due to the accident and any other relevant information you find. These pictures will come in handy later down the road if your case goes to court.
- Collect information: You should get the other driver’s license number, contact information and insurance information. Additionally, you should note the type of vehicle they were driving, its color and license plate number. You should also get the contact information from other passengers or witnesses if possible.
- Listen to the other driver: This could provide vital clues about how the accident happened. Write down any comments so you won’t forget them.
- Recount the accident: Using the camera on your smartphone, record a video of what you recounted from the accident in the minutes afterward. Include any relevant details you can recall at the moment. This will be evidence you can come back to later to jog your memory about the events that took place.
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine: The effects of a concussion or a soft tissue injury may reveal themselves only after an accident. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Follow the instructions of your doctor: Failing to follow a doctor’s instructions or take prescribed medications can be used as evidence by insurance companies that your injuries are not serious or that you have recovered.
What you do in the immediate aftermath of an accident can make a big difference when it comes to your case. Accident victims in Kentucky have rights, even if they were partly at fault for the accident. The sooner you retain a car accident lawyer to help you handle a claim, the more likely you are to recover the compensation that you deserve. Kentucky car accident lawyer T.J. Smith will work diligently to help you obtain the medical care you deserve and full compensation for your losses and suffering.
How To Report A Car Crash To Your Insurance Company
You should contact your own insurance company regardless of whether you were at fault or not. This will allow your insurance company to record that information regarding the accident in their database in the event that you may need to file a claim with your own insurance company later. Describe the basic facts and do not make any statements to anyone other than your insurance company or the police.
Next, if the accident wasn’t your fault, you should contact the other insurance company. Always keep it simple and to the point. Realize that anything you say can be brought up against you later if the claim goes to court. Make sure to make a note of any insurance claim numbers that you are given.
T.J. Smith Takes Car Wreck Cases Of All Kinds
Not all car accident attorneys are alike. T.J. Smith is an attorney who, with his dedicated team, fights for his clients. In more than 30 years of practice, he’s obtained over $230 million for his injured clients. He is also a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. When he uses the slogan “T.J. Will Make ‘Em Pay,” he has the numbers to back it up!
T.J. can help if you were injured in any type of vehicle crash, including:
- T-bone accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Sideswipe crashes
- Truck crashes
- Head-on collisions
- Motorcycle crashes
T.J. and his team are diligent in their pursuit of compensation for all of your losses. As an established car wreck accident lawyer, he understands the type of care serious injuries require. He takes cases involving injuries such as concussions, internal bleeding, whiplash, and spine and neck injuries. Call and talk to T.J. if you suffered severe cuts or broken bones. He and his legal team pull from a wide network of specialists, doctors and care providers to get you the care when you need it most.
Getting You Answers For Your Car Accident Questions
T.J. knows that these accidents can often leave clients confused about their claims and what comes next. To help you have peace of mind, attorney T.J. Smith provides answers to some of the more common questions he gets asked.
Do I need an attorney after a crash?
Technically, you do not need to hire an attorney. The insurance company would prefer that you do not. Why? Because an attorney will know what your case is actually worth. A diligent car wreck accident lawyer will pursue maximum compensation through aggressive and informed negotiation or litigation in court. Insurance companies want to pay out nothing or as little as possible. Because a court case takes time and money, insurance companies work very hard to avoid them.
What is my case worth?
That depends on many factors, and we can only provide you with an estimate after we have conducted a thorough investigation. In general, personal injury claims should cover the cost of all the consequences of your injuries, including the current and future expenses of medical bills, lost income, loss of earning potential from your injuries, and the cost of renovating your home or moving to accommodate your disability.
A settlement should also pay a victim for noneconomic costs such as pain and suffering, loss of deep relationships and loss of life enjoyment. Rest assured that he will seek the settlement or jury award you deserve and need. If the other driver was distracted or drunk, pursuing a case for yourself and keeping others safe is important.
How long can a victim wait to file a claim?
In Kentucky, car wreck accident victims have one year from the date of the accident to file a claim for compensation. While this may seem like a long time, it is important to file as soon as possible, as waiting can result in evidence being less reliable or effective and the victim having to pay for their accident costs out of their own pocket while waiting for their settlement.
Is it okay to talk to the liable party’s insurance company?
When the other side’s insurance company calls you claiming they just need some preliminary information for the claims process, do not trust them. Instead of gathering basic information, it is far more likely that the insurance agent is probing for information to reduce the compensation they pay for your injuries or even something to pin liability for the accident on you. One of the many benefits of hiring a car wreck accident attorney is that they can speak to insurers on your behalf, which means you never need to worry about what to say or avoid saying.
Should I really not say “I’m sorry” if I’m in an accident?
It’s best to avoid saying “I’m sorry” at the scene of an accident, as it might be interpreted as admitting fault. Saying things like this can result in the other insurance party trying to stick some or all of the liability on you, costing you the compensation you deserve. Instead of apologizing, stick to exchanging information and facts without implying liability.
Can I use my own doctor after a car crash?
Yes, you can use your own doctor after a car crash. It’s often recommended to see a trusted health care provider who knows your medical history, and can accurately assess and document your injuries. This way, they can compare your established prior condition to your condition after the accident to determine the full extent of your injuries.
How long does it take to experience whiplash?
Whiplash symptoms can appear within hours but may take days to manifest. It’s important to seek medical attention promptly if you suspect whiplash to get the care you need for such a delicate injury. If you suspect you are suffering from whiplash by experiencing prolonged pain in your neck or spine, see a medical professional immediately. A medical professional can help verify the injuries you sustained for your compensation claim.
How will I pay my medical bills?
Most drivers in Kentucky have PIP insurance coverage (personal injury protection coverage). This will pay for up to $10,000 to cover medical costs, as well as compensation for lost wages. You may also be entitled to compensation from other sources, such as the other driver’s liability insurance.
How do I get a rental car?
T.J. can assist you in this regard. Your auto insurance policy may include coverage for this expense. If not, he can include these costs in our compensation demand.
My car was totaled. Why won’t my insurance company pay me what it’s worth?
Insurance companies routinely lowball vehicle damage claims. That’s one of the many aspects of an accident case where having an experienced lawyer on your side can make a difference. As part of his service, he will handle your property damage claim free of charge.
What if the other driver didn’t have insurance?
Your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can provide a source of compensation. Attorney T.J. will seek to maximize the compensation you receive from all possible sources.
How much does it cost to hire you as my car accident lawyer?
He handles all motor vehicle accident cases on contingency. That means that his fees will come from your settlement or jury award. In other words, he doesn’t get paid unless and until he obtains compensation for you.
Talk To T.J. About Your Car Crash For Free
After being injured in a car wreck accident, the last thing you need is to have to haggle with the insurance company. Let T.J. do the talking. Get in touch with T.J. Smith, Attorney at Law, via our website form or by calling 502-677-1429.
T.J. will work to get you all that you and your family deserve after a Louisville car crash. His initial consultations are free, so you can tell him your story. He can assess your case and tell you more about how he can help you pursue damages for your injuries and loss.